At-Risk groups in Wexford urged to get flu jabs

the HSE is urging people in at-risk groups to get vaccinated against influenza as figures show that vaccine uptake rates in people aged 65 and over increased in Ireland last year.

The vaccine and consultation are free for those with a Medical Card or GP Visit Card.

Those without a Medical Card or GP Visit Card will be charged a consultation fee.

People aged 18 years or older in the at-risk groups may attend either their GP or pharmacist for vaccination and those under 18 years should attend their GP.

Marianne Heffernan, pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy's Rosslare Harbour store, said that while most of us can struggle through a winter cold, a severe flu can confine you to bed for days and often longer and older people were potentially more vulnerable.

'If you're vulnerable to illness because of your age, a pre-existing condition or an otherwise weakened immune system, then the flu can become more serious,' she said.